DELISTED Carlton defender Sam Rowe has resisted the temptation to return to the Ovens and Murray and will play suburban football in Melbourne next season. The 30-year-old has been targeted by several Ovens and Murray clubs since being cut by the AFL wooden-spooner on 99 matches. “I’ll be playing in a Melbourne competition,” the former Walla and North Albury player said. “I’m pretty settled down here with my family and work. “A few O and M clubs have been in touch over the past couple of months and were really good but I’m happy with the decision I’ve made.” Rowe’s new club is expected to become public in the next fortnight. The 198-centimetre defender took on some of the AFL’s biggest names after being picked up by Carlton in the 2011 national draft with selection No.44. Rowe had a break-out season in 2014 when he finished fifth in the Blues’ best and fairest and was elevated to their leadership group the following year. He holds no grudges after being cut one game short of 100 matches. “I loved the six or seven years I had at Carlton,” Rowe said. “The club was great to me. “It’s going to be different after being in the AFL system for a while but I’m looking forward to playing without the added pressures.” Rowe made his senior debut for Walla as a 16-year-old before joining the Murray Bushangers. He spent time with Sydney but captured Carlton’s attention playing for Norwood.